Rockies’ Cuddyer likely headed to DL unless neck improves

Posted By
Patrick Saunders
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May 11, 2013 @ 10:44 am
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Game Day,Rockies on Deck |
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ST. LOUIS — Michael Cuddyer hoped he’d wake up feeling better Saturday morning. He didn’t. The disc problem in his neck is still bothering him and it will keep him out of the lineup for the third straight game.

Cuddyer was going to receive treatment and swing a bat in cage to see if he could be ready for pinch-hit duty in Saturday afternoon’s game against the Cardinals. If he doesn’t start feeling better soon, the disabled list is a very real possibility.

“It’s not really any better,” Cuddyer said. “I’m going to try to be full-go today. But to be honest with you, this is kind of a make-or-break day for me. I don’t think you can afford to have a a guy who can’t play on the bench.”

Meaning he could go on the DL as soon as Sunday, and the Rockies would have to bring up an outfielder from Triple-A Colorado Springs. That would likely be Charlie Blackmon or Tyler Colvin, although Colvin’s ability to play first base might give him the edge.

The neck problem first bothered Cuddyer in 2004 when he was with the Twins. It didn’t flare up again until 2011. That’s when he had an epidural to help ease the pain and stiffness. Cuddyer said another epidural is a possibility now.

Manager Walt Weiss was cautious when assessing Cuddyer’s situation.

“If we get to the point where we feel like it will be multiple days, we will have to make that decision,” Weiss said when asked about Cuddyer landing on the DL. “As it stand now, we are still going with the day-to-day thing.”

Pre-game notes

* After getting one-hit Friday night and striking out 13 times against Cardinals rookie Shelby Miller, the Rockies face ace Adam Wainwright Saturday afternoon. “Another tough assignment,” Weiss said. “This is a very tough club and pitching is their strength.”

* Reid Brignac starts as second base and Yorvit Torrealba is behind the plate. Weiss said he wanted to give second baseman Josh Rutledge a breather, a day game after a night game. The same goes for catcher Wilin Rosario.

* Before Miller’s gem Friday night, the last major-league pitcher to allow a hit and then retire the next 27 matters he faced was the Angels’ John Lackey on July 7, 2006 when he allowed a leadoff double to Oakland’s Mark Kotasy and then set down the next 27 batters.

To a man, the Rockies were wowed by Miller’s performance. Though a few pitches outside the zone were called for strikes, the Rockies said Miller did a great job “painting the black.”